Chapter 2
A Town Named Haven
No matter what I do, even under times of great horror and despair, I will rest easily, knowing that the next generation will live in joy and hope.
I dream of a bright future where children can live their life to the fullest. I can only imagine my son living with a smile on his face, even if I'm not around to see it. – Unknown, The Memoir of a War Medic
It is the light of the sun that wakes Arnold up that morning. Still groggy, he simply looks at a large nearby tree and rubs his eyes.
'My aching head,' He thought, 'Did I drink that much last night?' He then stops in shock when he sees his hand properly, a grey hand. He then remembers what truly happened. In realization, he simply rises up on his knees and pounds the ground with his fists.
"NO!" He screamed with tears beginning to form.
"Hey." Someone shouted at him. Arnold simply looks up and sees a Treeko with a twig on its mouth, relaxing on the tree's branch. "Are you a Natural or a Transformed?"
"What?" Arnold asked as he stands up and sees the Treeko jumps down to the ground, "Wait, I can understand you?"
"Definitely a Transformed." The Treeko said as it cross its arms. It then walks away from him, "You should follow me. The name's George Leon by the way." Arnold follow behind him.
"Arnold MacIntyre." The two then walk in silence, "How long have you been a pokemon?" Arnold asked.
"I've been a Treeko for a week or two now."
"Who would even want to do this?"
"We don't know but the organization is both large and influential by the looks of it."
"We?" Arnold asked as they reach an opening of the forest. At the top of a small hill, they see a make shift town filled with pokemon.
"Yes we," George replied as he turn to face him, "Welcome to Haven."
At the International Police Headquarters, a woman with long red hair and wearing a business suit enters the building's command center.
"Samantha Jones, freelance." She said to the assistant.
"Freelance what exactly?" He asked but is interrupted by the commander.
"Samantha Jones, nice to see you again." He said as he gives out his hand.
"Nice to see you too commander, you got another unusual case then? That is the only reason why I'm called here." She said as she shakes his hand. The large screen then change to show the world map with marked locations.
"Yes, well, starting some months ago, we received unusual reports around the globe. Disappearances, suicides with the bodies disappearing, and the like, we dismissed them until a disturbing pattern arise. The victims were orphans, children, students, experts, the old, the poor, the dying and the locations were in schools, orphanages, soup kitchens, hospitals, retirement homes. Every single location is benefited in some manner by the Talbot and Fenrir Foundation. We sent eight agents to check on it, but they found nothing strange, except the last two, Agent Monroe and her fiancée Agent Verne, both of whom are missing and presumed dead." The commander said as the screen then zoom in to a location near the Avenir Reserve. "They were last tracked here, at the Talbot Center of Pokemon Research."
"I'm sorry; did I just hear that the world's largest charity group is doing some sort of evil organized crime?" Samantha commented on the oddness of it all.
"We simply don't know." The commander said, "The faster this case is solved, the better." Samantha simply nods and accepts the mission.
The Tribe is suspicious of the Stranger. They choose to return to their human forms and simply glare at the man. The Stranger is wearing a grey high class outfit, suitable for the opera. The children and their partner Ditto can only look at him with curiosity. The Tribes folk know how they should deal with those not of the Tribe. But the situation calls for the Stranger's help. They simply stand there as the Stranger enters the home of the tribe's witch.
"Thank you for coming." The old woman said to the Stranger.
"You're either lucky or unlucky to have Nexus accept your case. Now, who stole the Scale of Arceus?" The Stranger asked which only made the witch frown, for the Stanger only thinks of the Scale, and not the tribe's kidnapped Ditto.
"Strange men in uniform, not those of the tribe, possibly from a nearby city." She replied as she pulls out a ripped cloth from the ingredient shelf, on it is a patch with the initials TFF.
The Machop and the Treeko head down to the town's central plaza and see a large group of pokemon there. An Alakazam, wearing a brown suit, is talking to them all.
"Ah, another one, well, let me repeat myself for the newer members. I am Councilor William Argent. As you can see, everyone here was kidnapped and transformed against our will. Now, don't panic over what I'm going to say to you after this sentence. We are trapped. This location is too far and isolated for anyone to find us. There is a strange force field surrounding the area's borders which the people responsible have the control of who goes in and out. Another is the fact that our transformations aren't finished." This caused everyone to either gasp or scream, "Our physical transformation is finished, yes, but it is the mental changes that'll follow. Our memories and our identity will still be intact. But the addition of our pokemon instincts will slowly alter our way of thinking. We have doctors and trained professionals to help us in slowing the mental changes to a point. But it is your right as an individual and your personal desire to stay as human as possible that will slow down the changes, unless, of course, you simply go Wild and live out of town as a pokemon. You can. We don't have the authority to stop you anyway. That concludes the introduction. Anyone who wants some clothes will go the tailor right over there." Councilor Argent said as he points to a building covered in web. The group then disperses, some wander around the town, most, however, go to the tailor. Just because they're pokemon doesn't mean they're used to nudity. Arnold and George follow the group to the tailor, and looks at the Treeko for a moment.
"It's rather awkward to end the explanation like that." Arnold said as George simply shrugs.
"Councilor Argent is direct and to the point. The other councilors are different though. You might like Councilor Vash though, since he is your representative."
"How many councilors are there exactly?" Arnold asked as they reach the tailor. The building itself is covered in glaring colors and gigantic sticky cobwebs.
"One for every type, so eighteen, the councilors are democratically elected. I'm not sure on the others." George said as they enter the colorful and webby building. Inside is a Smeargle wearing some strange and glaring attire, and dipping fine Ariados silk in a tub of colored paint and some Spinarak nearby making the colored string into fine clothes. Before Arnold could ask, the Smeargle run towards them in joy.
"Ah, Monsieur Leon, your uniform is complete, and it is magnifique." The Smeargle said in a queer manner, "Oh, a customer." He then pulls and grips Arnold's left arm, "Yes, yes, I can see it! A Fighting Type like yourself will need a fighting uniform. Are you joining Vash's Dojo, or are you just going to self-train? You will look absolutely adorable in your uniform. It is made with the finest silk after all." The Smeargle asked as he pulls out a measuring tape and begins measuring Arnold. George, on the other hand, vanishes for a moment and returns wearing a ninja outfit in a shade of dark blue, the tail is poking out though.
"Who are you, and quit manhandling me!" Arnold yelled which causes the Smeargle to stop with an annoyed expression.
"I am Jacque Davidson. You might have heard of me in the world famous Castelia Autumn Fashion Show. I was one of the best." He said as poses like the fashion artist is he is, looking up with a hand resting on his chest.
"One of the best?" Arnold quietly muttered.
"But those crazy people turn me into a Smeargle, and put me here. I don't know what they're planning but I will continue on with my life's work. What a perfect way to practice the upcoming Pokemon Spring Fashion line up!" Arnold simply look at him strangely.
"Ok, well, can you make some clothes for me then?"
"Of course, the first set is always free. We have to keep our modesty, even if we're turned into pokemon. We are human after all." Jacque said as he takes the final measurements. "Your clothes will be ready in a few days." They then leave the building. Arnold just looks at George.
"So you're a ninja?"
"Nooo," George sarcastically said, "I'm part of a theater group. Of course I'm a ninja. I was a top student of the Razor Blade Ninjitsu School in the Hoenn Region. I was practicing for a competition against the Fallen Ash Ninjitsu School when I got taken and turned into a Treeko. The town council is planning a way to escape this place and turn us back to normal but I'm not sure we could even find out who did this and the reason why. Come with me, I'll show you the dojo." The two then walk pass some houses.
"I'm wondering that. I just hope it wouldn't be a place where some dim witted idiots simply bulk up to attract women." Arnold commented.
"Well, those kidnappers of ours are rather picky with their victims. You would like it, being a Fighting Type." George said as they reach the dojo which is quite impressive by its size. The dojo or, more accurately, dojo complex appears to be made out of stone, stone most likely beaten into shape by the Fighting Types' fists, and simple yet sturdy wood. The buildings are based on the architecture of Old Johto. A large outdoor training arena takes up the dojo's entrance as large halls filled with many rooms are made for every martial art. Arnold can only look in awe as he let his jaw drop.
"This is better than what they have at the university." He said once he recollects himself.
"I told you so." George said as the two enter the dojo, walking pass the fighting types practicing their moves, and into the main hall. There, they enter the Councilor's Office where they see two pokemon, a Machoke, who by the looks of it is simply wearing the usual attire of a Machoke, and a Primeape, who is wearing dark blue robes of a monk. The two are chatting with each other.
"… I do hope the treaty is signed soon." The Primeape said in a rather calm and serene manner, "The moment we settle our differences with the High Commander of Outpost peacefully, the better. We need to unite for a common cause, not fight each other over resources and authority." The Primeape stop talking when he sees the Arnold and George, and stands up from the seat. "We'll continue this later." The Primeape said as he lightly bows at the two with a peaceful hand gesture and leaves the room.
"So," The Machoke said to the two as he clasps his hands together and rests his arms on the table. "I'm Councilor Michael Vash of the town council. Can I help you two?"
"I'm just showing the latest victim around the dojo." George said but Arnold simply raises his hand as if to stop him.
"Actually, I'm just wondering if I could join the dojo. It looks interesting, sir." He said to the councilor.
"The dojo accepts everyone regardless of background. Your name?" The councilor asked as he pulls out the paperwork and a quill pen.
"Arnold MacIntyre."
"Weren't you the one who got third place in a martial arts tournament some time ago?"
"Yes sir, I prefer to develop my skill in unarmed martial arts not win some award of recognition." Arnold said as Councilor Vash begins to write down the paperwork, inadvertently breaking the quill pen due to his strength.
"Do be careful now." The councilor warned as he pull out another quill pen and finish signing the papers, "It's easy for you to go Wild if you act more like the pokemon you become." He then gives the paperwork to Arnold with the quill pen.
"I'll take note of that sir." Arnold said as he writes and signs the paperwork and gives it to the councilor.
"Good, your dorm is at the right of the training arena. You'll start training tomorrow." Arnold can't help but smile at the thought of training his skills, until he notice that he prefer to battle and train more often than when he was human.
The Tribes folk that gathered to watch the Stranger slowly dissipate after looking at him simply meditating on the ground for a few hours, he then stands up and returns to the witch's home when the tribe's hunters return with meat. Among the hunters is the witch's grandson, who recently finished the Tribe's rite of passage, on his neck is a carved totem of his guardian spirit pokemon, a Swellow. With his Ditto on his shoulder and the water pokemon he caught on a line behind his shoulder, the grandson enters his grandmother's home. There he sees his grandmother sitting down next to a strange man wearing obviously outsider clothing.
"So this is the one you choose?" The Stranger asked her.
"Yes, he is my grandson." She said as she stands up and walks towards him, "Chosen by the Great Winged Spirit." She then bring him forward, both him and his Ditto is confused at the sight. It only increases when the Stranger walk around him, looking at him in a strange manner.
"Yeah, I can see that." The Stanger said as the grandson sees him move his hands behind the grandson's back like he is examining something invisible, at the same time, an unnatural sensation appears on the grandson's back and arms, and vanishes when the Stranger lets go of the invisible thing. "Swellow, nice guy, can't seem to hold his drink." The Stranger made an odd and insulting to the Spirits but grandmother simply held back her anger. This only emphasis the unnatural aura the Stranger gives off.
"Sit Meton." His grandmother said in his adult name as she points at a seat. She is not his grandmother now, she is the tribal witch. "I call upon the Spirits of help." She said to her grandson as she points at the Stranger for a moment with a face full of contempt.
"Just because I said that the Swellow Spirit can't hold his liquor." The Stranger then receives restrained glares from the two. He simply raises his hands to show his open palms. "Sorry? I didn't mean to insult you."
"You will work with Meton to find and retrieve the Scale of Arceus." She said to the Stranger. "And the kidnapped Ditto." She then walks to her cauldron. "I will try and search for them. But I'm missing some ingredients." She then gestures Meton to come closer, whispers at his ear, and he simply nods. Meton and the Stranger leaves the home and into the forest. Meanwhile, hidden in the forest, a man in camouflage is watching the tribe carefully.
"I have found another tribe for the rescue." The person said at his communicator.
Entering her home, Samantha Jones, freelance, simply collapse to the nearest sofa.
"Tired from work today?" A voice asked.
"Not now Paul." She replied as she puts a pillow over her head. A holographic projection of a man wearing formal attire appears by the front door and closes it.
"Is there anything you require assistance?" The hologram asked.
"Some iced tea would be nice."
"Very well." The hologram, as if it is a normal person, walks to the kitchen door, opens it, enters the kitchen, and returns holding a tray with a pitcher of iced tea. The hologram then places the tray on the coffee table and sits down, which actually pushes down the cushion like it's actually there. "Anything wrong? I always wonder how a freelance job would wound up becoming highly stressful."
"That's because after a certain incident, I became a freelance everything." Samantha mumbled as she takes a cup of iced tea.
"I wasn't around when it happened. You should really tell me about that incident."
"Can't, my memory's messed up because of that." She then pulls out a pill for her headache from her bag and takes it and a deep breath. "Paul," She said in a calm voice, "I want you to search the network on the Talbot and Fenrir Foundation." Paul then looks blankly for a moment then utter surprise appears on his face.
"Well this is a first." He commented, "I can't seem to enter their network." This equally surprise Samantha.
"You can't enter?" She said as she stands up, "That only means one thing if a highly advance AI can't enter. I'll call Nexus, you know what to do." Paul nods and the living room enters lockdown. The windows and doors close, and lock, the lights dim, and a large blank holographic sphere appear. "This is Samantha Jones, freelance."
"Freelance what exactly?" The hologram asked.
"I require assistance for a case." She continued, mentally hoping that they would listen to her this time.
"Assistance has already been sent to this reality." This surprises the both of them. "Thank you for calling Nexus." The hologram then disappears and the lockdown ends.
"I hate them at times." Samantha commented as she heads to the study. "But if they send someone here, that only means a disaster is coming, a really big disaster."
In the town's council room, Councilor Michael Vash enters the room and sees the other councilors already there.
"Still not wearing clothes Vash, other than the obvious that is." Councilor Argent said.
"I'm still ok, no need to worry." Councilor Vash said as he takes his seat.
"The High Commander of Outpost is coming. Be on guard for anything suspicious." A Golduck said.
"He's my brother. He won't do something like an ambush." Councilor Vash said. A Gardevoir and a Machoke teleports in front of the councilors, the Gardevoir is wearing something like an office assistant and the Machoke is wearing a dark green military attire, only a hat, boots, aviator glasses and a large cigar is missing to complete the appearance.
"Hello Micah." Councilor Vash said.
"Nice to see you too Michael." High Commander Micah Vash said as the Gardevoir then teleports away. On the commander's hand is two folders filled with the latest reports. "I know how the relations between our two city-states are tense but it is within both of our interest to escape and find the cure to our condition." He said as he places the folders to the council's desk. "The latest reports show an increase of tribes in the area. The Tribal Union, while currently neutral, must agree to the plan. Another problem is those who go Wild." Micah said as the councilors read the two reports. "We are the bastions of Humanity. The worst case scenario we formulated is that civilization as we know it has ended or will end sooner or later. The organization that did this will likely release a deadly bioterrorist pathogen."
"This is only a theory." The Golduck said, "We don't know what's going on outside and we can't figure out the real cause until we have the equipment. You may have been a general, I, on the other hand, am a genetics researcher."
"It is the worst case scenario we predicted." Micah said as he walks around with his arms crossed behind his back, "Whether or not it actually occurred, all we know is the fact that our Humanity is slowly degrading away. It is imperative to unite together; all three factions must keep Human civilization continue. Haven is known for its education, Outpost is known for its discipline, and the Tribal Union is known for its 'inner harmony' between their human and pokemon sides. Those who go Wild must be found and rehabilitated." Micah glare at Michael for a moment, "I know this might go too far but it is the only way. For all we know, we might be the only places of civilization left standing."
"You're sounding hysterical." A Gardevoir said with a nurse's hat.
"We are in the middle of martial law. The safety of everyone is needed." Micah said as he nearly pounds on the table.
"Correction," Councilor Argent said, "Outpost is in martial law. But we understand the fear. Just this week, a dozen people went Wild." This only fuel Micah's anger.
"And you let them go!?"
"The individual has their rights and freedoms. Unlike Outpost, we try and keep the ideal of liberty and freedom seriously."
"Our minds are being altered as we speak and you're letting them escape." Micah said as he rubs his forehead to calm himself down. The councilors whisper to each other until they reach an agreement.
"The Council has decided," Councilor Argent said, "To agree to settle our differences with Outpost and join forces as equals. Together we will ask the Tribal Union to join and the three sides will deal with the Wild. Does this suit to your taste, High Commander Vash?"
"Very well, we'll continue the talk next time." Micah said as the Gardevoir appears and teleports away with Micah. The Golduck simply looks at Michael.
"Do you think he's going Wild?" The Golduck asked.
"Perhaps, pokemon are known to follow the most powerful one of the group." Michael replied. Meanwhile, Micah and his assistant teleports back to High Command in Outpost.
"It's getting worse." Micah commented.
"You're brother?" The Gardevoir asked.
"Yes, I fear he's going Wild, sooner or later."
"You must not be afraid commander, the sooner we find the cure and rehabilitate those gone Wild, the better. At least we can end those rumors of war with Haven, Outpost needs our forces in tip top shape for our real enemy." She then walks to the door, "I'll check with the scientists if they've have a break through with the force field." She said as she leaves Micah alone. The Machoke simply slouch on his seat as he remembers what happened to him.